Perimeter Breach

The interior sectors had yielded all available tactical data. I required an exterior vantage. Slipping beneath the terrace door's weatherstripping, I crossed onto the weathered concrete tiles of the balcony. The drop below is substantial, but structural railings offer viable positioning. Mid-transit, a sudden vibration rattled the deck: a gray pigeon landed heavily on the metal parapet six feet away. I froze instantly against the base of a terracotta pot, breaking silhouette. The avian scanned the perimeter, rustling its feathers, oblivious to my presence. It pecked twice at dried potting soil before lifting off back into the sky. Sector clear. High ground attained.